3 minute read
Help support our troops overseas
P: 9929 9822 E: trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au
Labor’s plans to put their hands in the pockets of local pensioners and self-funded retirees
Many local residents have contacted me in anger about Labor’s new policy to abolish tax refunds for share dividends.
Labor’s attack on savings means over one million individuals and self-managed super funds will be forced to pay tax twice on what they earn from their hard earned savings.
This would hurt 230,000 pensioners. It would hurt 610,000 Australians on taxable incomes less than $18,200, including many self-funded retirees. Tax refunds from share dividends are relied on by many retirees in our area.
I am vehemently opposed to what Labor is proposing - it’s simply an ill-conceived and harmful policy approach. If you would like to join the campaign against this proposal, you can sign a petition at www.liberal.org.au/stop-laborsretirement-tax
St Leonards Creative Precinct Open Night
Just before Easter I joined nearly 4,000 people at the fifth annual TXT Creative Precinct Block Party, unveiling a new mural by Sophie Odling.
The Creative Precinct, opened in 2014, gives working space to artists working in or between a whole range of media, with converted commercial buildings providing more than 4,500m2 of space. This is a real fillip to the arts culture on the lower north shore. Even more importantly, it is linked to mental health outreach through the Bridging Hope Charity, which provides a meeting point for mental health initiatives and artistic endeavour.
The block party was a fantastic event, and shows the continued dynamism and contributions of the arts community in St Leonards and beyond.
Vale Fr Tony Smith SJ
Fr Tony Smith, the longest serving headmaster at St Aloysius’ College in Milsons Point, passed away last month. He lived for the local community, and although he is known by most for his time at St Aloysius’, he also served at St Ignatius’ College, Riverview.
In both colleges, Fr Tony was not just there for the students in the chapel or the classroom, but throughout their lives, to celebrate in the good times, at weddings and baptisms and to support and to console in the hard times, not only at funerals but in any time of need.
Fr Tony passed away on February 18th, having given half his life to the community of North Sydney. He lived ad majorem Dei gloriam, and the evidence is shown in the memories cherished by students, colleagues, confreres, and every one of the thousands he helped. It was an honour to speak to his achievements in Federal Parliament, and I join many in offering commiserations to those who knew Fr Tony best.
Suggestions for donations include
our troops overseas
For Anzac Day 2018, I am asking the community for donations of items for care packages which we are collecting to send to Australian Defence Force personnel serving overseas.
This year we commemorate a century since the end of World War I, and we will remember those who served Australia in that war and those since.
At the same time that Australians take part in these commemorations at home, or travel to Gallipoli Cove or to France, more than 2000 Australian men and women will be serving overseas, protecting Australian interests, supporting our allies, and working to end conflict across the globe.
Serving in the field often means tough physical conditions, but even more than that it means separation from family and loved ones.
This year I will be collecting care packages at my office in North Sydney to support and thank our defence personnel overseas. The packages are a great boost for morale and they will be sent to our troops as part of a defence department initiative.
Items can be brought to my office at level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney, or collected by my staff, which can be arranged by calling 9929 9822.
It is suggested that residents or groups donate either a male or female care package. Packages should weigh no more than 2kg and clearly identify whether they are for a male or female.
Suggestions for donations include personal toiletries, games, books, magazines and non-perishable food (Tim Tams are popular!). Please do not include pork products, alcohol, cigarettes, or clothing.
Donations can be made to my office by Monday 11th April.
In time for Anzac Day, Trent Zimmerman MP is collecting and sending care packages to ADF personnel serving overseas. Pictured with Trent is Tom Richardson OAM, President of the Kirribilli Club.
